Olive Garden Breadsticks
Enjoy the irresistible taste of soft, buttery, and garlicky Olive Garden Breadsticks made at home with simple pantry ingredients. This easy recipe guides you through creating tender, flavorful breadsticks with a perfect golden crust, customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses. Ideal for family dinners, parties, and any occasion craving an Italian classic.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, resulting in the tender, chewy texture typical of Olive Garden Breadsticks.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step makes the dough light and airy.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope. Place the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for 20-30 minutes. This final proof ensures a fluffy interior.
- Bake and Brush: Bake the breadsticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Immediately after baking, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley to seal in moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate yeast without killing it; avoid hot water.
- Do not skip the second rise to achieve soft, fluffy breadsticks.
- Brush breadsticks with garlic butter immediately after baking to lock in softness.
- Keep dough covered during resting periods to prevent drying out.
- Using an oven thermometer helps ensure consistent baking results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Olive Garden breadsticks, garlic breadsticks, soft breadsticks, buttery breadsticks, easy breadstick recipe, Italian breadsticks, homemade breadsticks